Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister MLA:-

“Once more at Stormont politburo politics held sway today. Only Executive party MLAs were allowed to speak in the debate on the Programme for Government. Not a single voice of opposition was permitted to be heard. It seems our precious joint first ministers need such protection that awkward questions must be avoided at all costs, even the cost of bringing a semblance of accountability and democracy to the process.

“If Speaker Hay had allowed a balance of opinion to be expressed – and he needn’t say we ran out of time because it was him who allowed the ministers, particularly McGuinness to filibuster by long rambling replies – then I would most certainly would have challenged the cosy consensus which the Speaker was so anxious to preserve.

“I would have pointed out that this PFG, like the Executive itself, is held together by the glue of DUP Climbdown, this time on ESA and re-commitment to an Irish Language strategy.

“I would have asked the Joint First Ministers – who sounded increasingly like political double glazing salesmen – be it the one who 48 hours ago was going to resign, or the one back doing his second choice job – why anyone should have any confidence in their latest PFG since their last one lies tattered in unmet targets and undelivered promises. Why should anything think that another PFG from the same failed regime will have any different outcome? I certainly don’t.

“Vague and vacuous this PFG will be another testament to the non-delivery and dysfunctionalism of unworkable mandatory coalition.”